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Labour's Correction spokesperson has welcomed an initiative to get newspapers into prison.

The Sir Peter Williams QC Penal Reform League, run by Sir Peter's widow Lady Heeni Phillips- Williams, has arranged for copies of the New Zealand Herald and Northern Advocate to go into the Northland Regional Prison at Ngawha.

Mr Davis says it's important for their rehabilitation that prisoner can read or learn to read.

"We want prisoners to be able to engage in society and the community so if they are reading the news, they can maybe have discussions, keep up to play with the sports, it kind of normalises things for them a little bit," he says.

Mr Davis says reading can also help alleviate the boredom of prison life.